And Savage is adamant that Mourinho is taking United backwards in almost every aspect.

“Rarely in the last 30 years can I think of a time when Unitedwereheading to Anfield with such low expectations and with their fortunes drifting so feebly on the pitch,” he wrote in The Mirror.

“They are 16 points behind Liverpool. Both the margin of that deficit and the identity of the Premier League leaders is difficult for the supporters at Old Trafford to accept.

“Although I do not like to see any manager sacked, especially someone who has achieved as much as Mourinho, you have to wonder how the United hierarchy might react if they are well beaten this weekend.